Everton v Latics Preview

Latics take on Everton tomorrow in the FA cup quarter-finals, this is only the second time in our history that we have progressed to this stage of the competition, the last time coming way back in 1987 when we were unlucky to lose to Leeds United 2-0 at Springfield Park

All though there is no denying that survival in the Premier League is the main priority for the club, the prospect of a trip to Wembley is just too appealing and the fans are beginning to get gripped with cup fever

Everton away isn't the tie most people would have chosen, but considering our away form, especial in the cups, a trip up the East Lanc's Rd doesn't signify the end of the journey that some would think. Of course Moyes' team will be favourites, but Martinez will be aware that he'll need to field his strongest side yet in the competition and I expect this to be a close encounter

There will be changes in the Latics line-up, Alcaraz should get a start, McManaman and Golobart too, but this will be team capable of getting a result

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'All of our games against Everton have been very difficult and very close encounters, but we've never really had any luck against David Moyes' side

'I knew that if we were going to get to Wembley then we would have to come through a tough challenge, and I don't think there is a tougher challenge than going to Goodison Park to face Everton.

'They have incredible tradition, particularly in this competition, and you can see how much they want to succeed, as do we.

'I went to watch their replay against Oldham Athletic in the previous round, and it's clear that the crowd are chasing success for their team in the competition.'

'I'm not thinking about going to Wembley, I'm just concentrating on this weekend and what we need to do against Everton first.

'I only get excited after the game; once you've performed well and get a good result that's when you can be excited about the match.'

Everton boss David Moyes:

'I think they [the players] are used to these games'

'Three out of the last five years we have been in quarter-finals, so we are beginning to get a bit more used to it.

'Hopefully the game isn't too big that we can't handle it but, in the same breath, there is a high enough level of anxiety to realise how important it is.

'I wouldn't say that we are becoming a better cup team but I think we are becoming a team that is finding a way to win the games.

'The most important thing against Wigan is that we get through.'

'I've got no doubt that Roberto will be more concerned about his Premier League form but would be hoping to use this as a platform to get some wins and confidence around the club.'

"As everybody is well aware, we`ve played Wigan twice already this season so we know each other quite well'

'The games were close and we know that it is not going to be much different.

'They are a good football team and he [Martinez] has tried to make sure they pass the ball well.

'He has varied his teams and formations recently but, overall, you know what you get with Wigan. They are a good footballing side with good individual players.'

Jan Mucha could be set for a start as Tim Howard is rated as very doubtful and Phil Jagielka is missing after surgery on an ankle injury so John Heitinga is set to deputise.

Everton from - Mucha, Distin, Heitinga, Baines, Coleman, Oviedo, Naismith, Hitzlsperger, Osman, Pienaar, Fellaini, Jelavic, Neville, Anichebe, Vellios, Gibson, Mirallas, Duffy, Barkley, Howard.

Bainsey always, always, always seems to score against us

The injury crisis is easing, Mike Pollitt, Ivan Ramis and Albert Crusat are still out but Ryo Miyaichi and Antolin Alcaraz are back

Latics from - Al Habsi, Caldwell, Scharner, Figueroa, Beausejour, Gomez, Maloney, Espinoza, McCarthy, McArthur, Stam, McManaman, Kone, Di Santo, Henriquez, Golobart, Dicko, Robles, Alcaraz, Boyce, Lopez, Miyaichi, Fyvie.

Scored two goals in the last round, we'll need him to be on top of his game


By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Latics and Everton have met 17 times

Latics 2 wins, Everton 9, draws 6

Last Six Meetings

23 Dec 2012 - Premier League - Everton 2 Latics 1
06 Oct 2012 - Premier League - Latics 2 Everton 2
04 Feb 2012 - Premier League - Latics 1 Everton 1
17 Sep 2011 - Premier League - Everton 3 Latics 1
30 Apr 2011 - Premier League - Latics 1 Everton 1
11 Dec 2010 - Premier League - Everton 0 Latics 0

Kevin Friend (Leicester)

Why not take a look at our 'Meet The Ref' article

Kevin Friend Card Watch 2012/13

Games - 26, yellows - 86, reds - 3

Head and heart both say 1-1 this week, so 1-1 it is!

Premier League
Latics v Newcastle United
DW Stadium
Sunday
17/03/13
4pm

Why not have a listen to this week's podcast, it features an Everton preview

The FA cup quarter final against Everton features (18:50) with a preview and debate about team selection, cup over league and the possibility of a replay next Wednesday!

We also discuss the referee from the Man U Real Madrid game, back at yer Fergie

To finish off with Paul Kendrick gives us an update on the Josephs Goal campaign



If you would like to get involved in the podcast or have any topics that you'd like to be discussed please get in touch at wigan@vitalfootball.co.uk marking your email PWU Podcast

The podcast can be downloaded from itunes or via our hosting site www.buzzsprout.com or by simply hitting the play button on the embedded player below

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